KAUST Vice Provost Suzana Nunes has been appointed as an Honorary Member of the European Membrane Society (EMS). This appointment recognizes Nunes' contributions to education, science, and technology in the field of membranes. Nunes has been a KAUST professor since 2009, focusing on polymeric materials for membrane applications. Why it matters: The recognition highlights KAUST's contributions to advanced materials science and engineering, enhancing its reputation as a research hub.
KAUST research scientist Giuseppe Genduso has received the 2020 NAMS Young Membrane Scientist Award. Genduso's research at the KAUST Advanced Membranes & Porous Materials Center focuses on understanding polymer membrane behavior for fluid separation. His work explores the sorption and diffusion of gases in advanced polymer materials. Why it matters: This award recognizes Genduso's contributions to membrane technology, which holds promise for energy-efficient fluid separations and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the chemical industry.
KAUST Ph.D. student Sheikha Alardhi won the sustainable energy and fuels poster award at the 2017 Spring Meeting and Exhibit of the European Materials Research Society (E-MRS) in Strasbourg, France. Alardhi's poster was titled "Ab initio Assessment of Bi1-xRExCuOS (RE=La, Gd, Y, Lu) Solid Solution for Water Splitting". Her poster came in first place among 77 student and postdoctoral fellow posters. Why it matters: This award recognizes promising research in sustainable energy and highlights KAUST's contributions to the field.
KAUST Professor Ingo Pinnau has been named a 2020 Fellow of the North American Membrane Society (NAMS). Pinnau's research focuses on high-performance membranes for energy-intensive gas and liquid separations. He has published over 170 peer-reviewed papers and holds 46 granted U.S. patents. Why it matters: Recognition of KAUST faculty in this area highlights the university's contribution to advanced materials research, which is crucial for energy and sustainability initiatives in Saudi Arabia and globally.
KAUST alumna Jamaliah Aburabi’e's patent-pending membrane technology was highlighted in the North American Membrane Society's (NAMS) magazine. The patent (2017/0225127), developed with advisor Professor Klaus-Viktor Peinemann, describes a new method for preparing anisotropic/cross-linked membranes. The method reduces steps in membrane preparation, making it energy-efficient and allowing customization of the membrane's selective layer. Why it matters: This recognition highlights the impact of KAUST research in advanced materials and separation technologies, showcasing innovations with potential for energy efficiency and customization in industrial applications.
KAUST researchers have developed polytriazole membranes for energy-efficient crude oil fractionation, as detailed in a recent Science Magazine paper. Led by Dr. Suzana Nunes and Dr. Stefan Chisca, the team created membranes that can withstand harsh industrial conditions like high temperatures and organic solvents. The membranes offer a low-carbon footprint alternative to traditional separation techniques like distillation. Why it matters: This innovation could significantly reduce energy consumption and promote a circular carbon economy in the petrochemical industry within the GCC region and beyond.
A conference at KAUST covered topics related to hydrophobic interfaces. The event brought together researchers and experts in the field. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology hosted the conference. Why it matters: Events like this foster collaboration and knowledge sharing in materials science and engineering.
KAUST hosted the Electron Microscopy Frontiers conference from December 9-11, marking five years of electron microscopy activities at the university. The symposium featured over 20 speakers from international universities and research institutions. It aimed to foster scientific collaborations and showcase KAUST's growing role as a leading electron microscopy laboratory in the Middle East. Why it matters: The conference signals KAUST's ambition to become a hub for advanced microscopy research and collaboration in the region, potentially driving innovation in materials science and bioscience.